General News of Friday, 17 July 2009

Source: GNA

President to engage in clean up exercise at Osu Castle

Accra, July 17, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills would engage in a clean up exercise at the Castle Clinic in Accra, on Saturday morning, July 18, in commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day. This was disclosed by Mr. Mahama Ayariga, Presidential Spokesperson to journalists at the Kotoka International Airport on Friday, when President Mills returned home from Egypt, where he attended the 15th Summit of Heads of States and Government of the Non- Aligned Movement (NAM).

Mr. Ayariga said the summit established the Day, which would be observed on the birthday of the former South African President. He said the day was set aside for people to engage in charity work at least for 67 minutes as a show of solidarity and respect to the noble deeds of Mr Mandela.

Touching on other aspects of the summit, which lasted from the July 11 to July 16, Mr. Ayariga said the heads re-affirmed the relevance of the NAM.

The summit pledged to support international law and also reiterated its commitment to the provision laid down by the UN for conflict resolution.

Mr. Ayariga said the summit also called for reforms at the UN especially the Security Council and the strengthening of the General Assembly.

He said members looked at the Millennium Development Goals, the International Financial Crisis, Peace Keeping armament and condemned terrorism.

Mr. Ayariga said the NAM summit called on nations to abide by democratic governance and commended the regional organisations for their contribution towards world peace.

He said when President Mills addressed the summit; he touched on the relevance of NAM, even after the cold war. President Mills also held meeting with his colleagues on bilateral relations.